RotorCycle,

My concern is just that - a hard landing or crash. My question is: does the flybar need that much range? I've looked it over and it would be a simple matter to limit it's freedom such that it couldn't reach the gyro. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

There's a simple mod you can do to stop the paddles hitting the canopy or gyro/boom at start up. Cut a 10mm length of 2mm rod (preferably carbon) and glue it into the bottom of the flybar slot in the headblock. This limits the flybar tilt slightly and stops it hitting anything. Mine has had all manner of cyclic abuse with this mod and it seems fine.

It would still be wise to keep the gyro out of harm's way in case of a crash or heavy landing.

My concern is just that - a hard landing or crash. My question is: does the flybar need that much range? I've looked it over and it would be a simple matter to limit it's freedom such that it couldn't reach the gyro. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

In a crash, the flybar may wrap and become contorted to impact a top-mounted gyro regardless.

Good point!

There's a simple mod you can do to stop the paddles hitting the canopy or gyro/boom at start up.

Tean,

Thanks for the info. That's similar to what I had in mind.

I finally caved (came to my senses)and moved the gyro inside the frame. Instead of taping it to the frame, though, I fashioned an aluminum plate that is held in place by 2 screws, then taped the gyro to it. This way, I can take the gyro in and out without messing with the tape.

I velcro taped the gyro to the in-frame space instead. I can just peel it off to adjust and stick it back when done. Helps to absorb some vibes too, maybe? I wonder if it works as intended?

Uh, gyro's need to be fairly rigidly mounted to do their job properly. Velcroing a gyro is NOT a good idea at all. The gyro will not perform anywhere near as well as it should.

As the recent new owner of CrashTestPilot's Mini Titan - I think I need to take a picture and post it of how he mounted the gyro - It's a very clever and well done install.

All in all CrashTestPilots build was excellent - almost as good as if I had done it myself...

Still not sure about the Futaba micro digital servo -I think I'm going to swap it for a 9650 as the tail doesn't hold rock solid. It holds well as long as I'm nice to the collective, but the bacwards inverted stuff still ain't as solid as I'd like. I wonder if the micro servo while being faster, doesn't have enough torque to hold on those demanding maneuvers?

Andy - on the tail servo, before giving up on the 3154, you might put a decent horn on there if you haven't already. The HS55 horn should fit and isn't flimsy like the stock Futaba horn that I'd wager is flexing under good load.

Painted with Tamiya plastic paint and then added some decals.

about the gyro being velco taped. not such a good idea but the idea is good. i suppose the velco tape that has the locked balls would maybe work. its quite stiff also. if i have some laying around ill give it a try but im not going to get excited about it.